Padres Roster Decisions Loom as Buehler, France Make Team

Veteran pitchers and infielders secure spots on San Diego's opening day roster

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:36pm

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The San Diego Padres have finalized their opening day roster, with veteran pitcher Walker Buehler and infielder Ty France both making the team. Buehler and France had opt-out clauses in their minor league contracts that required the Padres to add them to the 40-man roster or risk losing them to free agency. While Buehler's spot in the rotation seemed secure, France faced stiffer competition from Jose Miranda, but ultimately earned a spot on the team.

Why it matters

The Padres' roster decisions highlight the challenges of managing veteran players with opt-out clauses, as the team had to balance keeping experienced talent while also making room for younger prospects. These moves will have implications for the team's depth and flexibility throughout the season.

The details

Both Buehler and France were signed to minor league deals during the offseason, but had opt-out clauses that allowed them to become free agents if not added to the 40-man roster by March 21. Buehler has shown he can pitch effectively with diminished velocity after his second Tommy John surgery, while France provides infield depth and is returning to the team that originally drafted him.

  • The Padres had to make a decision on Buehler and France's roster status by March 21.
  • France's next opt-out date is June 1, while utility player Sung-Mun Song is working to return from the injured list.

The players

Walker Buehler

A veteran starting pitcher who has made the Padres' opening day rotation despite recovering from his second Tommy John surgery.

Ty France

An infielder who was drafted and developed by the Padres organization, and is returning to the team after stints with the Mariners, Reds, Twins, and Blue Jays.

Jose Miranda

An infielder who competed with France for a roster spot, but was ultimately optioned to Triple-A.

Sung-Mun Song

A utility player who is currently on the injured list and working to get healthy enough to join the Padres' roster.

Craig Stammen

The Padres' manager, who commented on the team's roster decisions regarding Buehler and France.

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What they’re saying

“He has stated in interviews that the pain in his elbow went away right before spring camp began and that has enabled him to throw his sweeper again as well as refining his other off-speed offerings. He has acknowledged that his fastball will never again reach the velocity of the past but he can still be an effective starter without it.”

— Walker Buehler

“Padres manager Craig Stammen commented in his morning media scrum on the organization's decision to put both players on the roster.”

— Craig Stammen, Manager

What’s next

The Padres will continue to monitor the health and performance of their pitching staff, as they determine the final spot in the rotation. The team will also have to make a decision on Sung-Mun Song's roster status once he is ready to return from the injured list.

The takeaway

The Padres' roster decisions highlight the delicate balance teams must strike between keeping experienced veterans and making room for younger talent. The moves with Buehler and France demonstrate the Padres' commitment to building a deep, versatile roster capable of withstanding the rigors of a long season.